Author: Band Alumni Association

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our alumnus, Jeremy Blomstedt, on August 5, 2020, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Jeremy was, until recently, the Equipment and Technology Associate for the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts and Digital Arts Initiative, where he had worked since 2018. He was also a talented actor and filmmaker. He recently starred in the Nebraska Repertory Theatre production of “Mother Courage.” Jeremy was a graduate of the Carson School, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in performance in 2017.

Jeremy and his brother, Matt (Nebraska Education Commissioner) are both band alumni.

A visitation and rosary (limited to invited family and friends) will be held on August 28th in Palisade at the Holy Family Catholic Church, where Jeremy and Amy were married.

A memorial Mass will be held in McCook, Nebraska on August 29, 2020 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, where Jeremy was baptized. Given possible concerns about coronavirus transmission, services may be limited in attendance based on any necessary restrictions by local health officials or church requirements.

You can read Jeremy’s full obituary, share your memories and contribute to assist with funeral expenses at https://everloved.com/life-of/jeremy-blomstedt/obituary/.

Delphine L. (Ayers) Sanks, 93, of Kearney, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020, at her home. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Kearney Area Animal Shelter, Peterson Senior Center, First Presbyterian Church of Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary, and Salvation Army of Kearney.

Delphine was born on July 31, 1926, in Broken Bow, NE, to Earl Leonard and Dorothy Delphine (Faragher) Ayers. She spent her first 10 years in Broken Bow before moving with her family to Lexington, NE. She attended Lexington High School and graduated with the class of 1944. Delphine then attended the University of Nebraska on a merit scholarship where she received a bachelor’s degree in English and was one of the first female members of the Cornhusker Marching Band. She later attended Kearney State College where she earned a master’s degree in educational media. Delphine married Lee Sanks on March 24, 1950, in Kansas City, MO. Delphine began her teaching career in 1972 at Kearney Catholic High School, first as a librarian and then as a teacher of junior high English. She held this position for 10 years. She continued her career as a Professor of English at Kearney State College until she retired in 1990.

You can read the full obituary in the Lexington Clipper-Herald.

Douglas Samuel Chappell, 84, of Scottsbluff, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at his home.

While attending Scottsbluff High School, Doug was active in basketball, band, and Student Council. He was also president of Key Club, a member of National Honor Society, and attended Cornhusker Boys’ State. Doug was graduated from Scottsbluff High School with the class of 1953.

Doug continued his educational career by earning an Associate of Science Degree from Scottsbluff Junior College (WNCC) in 1955, a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (class of 1957), and his Master of Education in Educational Guidance from the University of Wyoming in 1966. Lifelong learning was accomplished through additional graduate hours earned from CSC, UNK, OSU, and UNL.

As a student, two of his greatest talents and passions were band and basketball. He played cornet in the Scottsbluff High School Band, Scottsbluff City Band, Gering City Band, Scottsbluff College Band, and the University of Nebraska Marching Band.

You can read his complete obituary online at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com where condolences may be left for the family. A memorial has been established in Doug’s name to the Scottsbluff High School Counseling Department, General Scholarship Fund.